Education

The student audience applauded and sighed at the triumphs and challenges brought by a spelling bee held at Chiefland Elementary School last Friday morning.

The winners are first place fourth grader Karsen Baker, son of Avery and Kimberly Baker; first runner-up fifth grader Rachael Hutson, daughter of Ken and Shannon Hutson and second runner-up fourth grader Ella Gore, daughter of Adam and Kelly Gore.

On Tuesday morning, Ken and Lynetta Griner of Usher Land and Timber along with Forester Eric Handley spoke to four 4th Grade classes at Chiefland Elementary School about working forests in recognition of Working Forests Awareness Week.

Lena Weatherford facilitated the visit and they left her with a box of goods from the woods – a ream of paper, pencils, Tylenol, tissues, toilet tissue, chewing gum and crayons.

The Chiefland students of the month were honored at the City Commission meeting on Oct. 12. Commissioner Chris Jones, right, and Vice Mayor Betty Walker, second from left, presented certificates to Danielle “Danna” Cowart, left, and Luke Reidy.

Cowart, daughter of Kim Cowart is a 5th grade student at Chiefland Elementary School. Reidy, son of Pat and Kamala Reidy is in the 8th grade at Chiefland Middle High School.

Not pictured is Chase Malloy, son of Lacy Malloy, a 10th grade stuent at Chiefland Middle High School.

A new program will soon come to the College of Central Florida in Levy.

The program, called THEO (Timber Harvesting Equipment Operator) will offer timber related career training. The announcement was made at a Nature Coast Development Council and RESTORE Act advisory committee meeting on Sept. 10.

A Levy County school has gotten some new technology to benefit not only students, but the community as well.

A new WeatherSTEM unit was installed at Bronson Middle High School, the data from which will be incorporated into student lessons and can be viewed online.

"Weather is a very good tool to start introducing kids of all ages to data," said Edward Mansouri, CEO and founder of Ucompass, the company financing the WeatherSTEM project. Mansouri is also the author of the software used by the Florida Virtual School for the past 13 years.

The state Department of Education is promoting Dads Take Your Child To School Day on Sept. 30. On this day, fathers are encouraged to take their children to school and stay for a few activities.

All father figures are welcome, including stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, foster fathers and other significant role models. Although the event is centered on fathers, mothers and other family members are also welcome.

Williston rancher and businessman Brad Etheridge was named by Gov. Rick Scott last Friday to the School Board of Levy County.

Etheridge, 40, is the owner of Etheridge Cattle Company LLC and is currently serving on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Levy County Board of Adjustments.

He is also a member of the Levy County Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Williston Future Farmers of America Foundation. He has also served on the Suwannee River Fair Association board of directors.

The sixth annual Levy County Schools Foundation Beast Feast is Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Etheridge Cracker House in Williston.

The annual fundraiser event features an array of great food from fish chowder to “yard bird on a stick” prepared and served by cooks from local businesses in a casual, picnic setting. The evening will include door prizes and a live auction.

Advance tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students 8-17 years going on sale Sept. 21.